Touch
Touch sensitivity can affect clothing, hygiene, affection, play and daily care.
Signs of touch sensitivity
Struggles with clothing labels, seams, socks, shoes, tight waistbands, hair brushing, toothbrushing, nail cutting, face washing, sunscreen, messy play, unexpected touch, hugs, certain fabrics, water temperature. May refuse or remove clothes, cry during hair brushing, avoid washing, pull away from touch, become distressed by light touch, prefer firm pressure or avoid messy textures.
Touch support ideas
- Tagless clothing and seamless socks
- Soft fabrics; wash new clothes before wearing
- Let the child choose clothes
- Firm pressure if preferred
- Warning before touch; ask before hugging
- Soft brushes; try different toothbrushes
- Build hygiene slowly
- Towels warmed on radiators
- Offer choices
Touch sensory activities (for seekers)
Playdough, slime, sand, water play, finger painting, textured fabric box, rice trays, bean bags, massage with consent, deep pressure games, blanket burritos, squishy toys.
Do
- Ask before touching
- Respect clothing discomfort
- Offer sensory-friendly clothing
- Use firm predictable touch if preferred
- Let the child wash or brush themselves where possible
Don't
- Force hugs
- Laugh at clothing distress
- Cut labels and assume it is solved
- Use messy play without warning
- Ignore pain caused by touch sensitivity